Can a Nostril Flare/alar Be Narrowed? Is That Part Considered Cartliage or Skin?

Doctor Answers 2

Nasal flare surgery

December 31st, 2010

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Tthe distance between the outer edges of the nostrils should be equivalent to the distance between the inner and outer corners of the eyes for optimal proportions. In most people that is 32mm. The surgical approach to this is the removal of a wedge of skin at the outer bottom corner of each nostril. The width of the wedge is calculated to get the final 32 mm length. The outer coner of the wedge lies along the crease between the nose and cheek and should end just before the natural shadow edge when light is directed downward on the face. If you extend the scar past this point it can be very noticeable. In some cases the rim has to thinned only or in combination with the skin wedge resection. This is done by removing some fat from the rim via the incision.

This can be done as part of a rhinoplasty or alone under local anesthesia.

Correcting Nasal Flare

December 30th, 2010

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Correcting excess flaring of the nares is part of a rhinoplasty OR can be a individual operation. It is usually done at the end of a nose surgery when the degree of arching of the nares (flaring) is obvious OR it can be done later after healing is complete and inflammation is resolved.
The operation is also referred to as a WEIR EXCISION and involves removing a crescent of tissue off the lower aspect of the outer nose at its junction with the cheek. The width of the tissue removed will determine the degree of flaring correction. This can be done as an office procedure under local anesthesia.
Dr. Peter Aldea

Nose Surgery Pictures

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